Speak Out about VAWA and the Value of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

Speak Out about VAWA and the Value of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

As part of Inauguration Week, the President and First Lady have called on Americans across the country to participate in the National Day of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 19th. In the spirit of service and citizenship, we’re asking you to invite your Members of Congress to give back to the domestic violence and rape crisis programs in their communities and to recognize the value of VAWA-funded programs. Call or write your Members of Congress, and ask them to honor VAWA through the National Day of Service by volunteering their time at and/or making a donation to programs that truly make a difference in the lives of survivors and in their communities!

As people around the country volunteer in their communities on this National Day of Service, we also have an opportunity to speak out about the importance of the services that local domestic violence and rape crisis programs provide to victims every single day and how critical the swift passage of VAWA is to be able to serve all victims.

Programs supported by VAWA provide lifesaving services to millions of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Yet despite VAWA’s proven ability to substantially improve lives, it has not reached all victims. VAWA reauthorization provides an opportunity to build upon the successes of the current law by including key improvements, and ensuring that all victims will have access to much-needed services. Also, federal funding is now more essential than ever to ensure that programs across the country can keep the lights on, answer crisis calls, and provide vital services for victims fleeing violence.